Skip to content
Monday to Thursday: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. · Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. · Friday and Sunday: ClosedMonday to Thursday: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.(865) 555-0106

Six levels

Levels named for what swimmers practice

  1. 01

    Getting in

    Yellow dot, ages 4 to 17
    Skills
    • Coming down the ramp or the steps at your own pace

    • Getting to know the pool, the room and the instructor

    • Holding the rail or the instructor's hands

    • Choosing where to rest

    Moving up

    When getting in feels steady and your swimmer chooses to stay in the water, the instructor suggests Settling in the water.

  2. 02

    Settling in the water

    Green dot, ages 4 to 17
    Skills
    • Sitting and standing on the step

    • Moving along the wall, hand over hand

    • Splashing and blowing bubbles, if your swimmer likes

    • Learning the class signs for stop, rest and again

    Moving up

    When moving along the wall is easy and the class signs are familiar, the instructor suggests Floating with support.

  3. 03

    Floating with support

    Teal dot, ages 4 to 17
    Skills
    • Floating on the back with hands under the shoulders

    • Floating on the front with a noodle or a belt

    • Resting in a float between turns

    • Standing back up with a hand

    Moving up

    When floating with support is steady and standing back up is easy, the instructor suggests Kicking and reaching.

  4. 04

    Kicking and reaching

    Blue dot, ages 4 to 17
    Skills
    • Kicking at the wall and with a board

    • Reaching for the instructor and for the wall

    • Arm pulls on the front or the back

    • Turning toward the wall

    Moving up

    When kicking and reaching carry your swimmer a few body lengths, the instructor suggests Moving on your own.

  5. 05

    Moving on your own

    Purple dot, ages 4 to 17
    Skills
    • Crossing the shallow end with a float

    • Rolling from the front to the back

    • Breathing out with the face in the water, if your swimmer likes

    • Reaching the wall or the rail

    Moving up

    When your swimmer crosses the shallow end and reaches the rail, the instructor suggests Strokes and longer swims.

  6. 06

    Strokes and longer swims

    Pink dot, ages 4 to 17
    Skills
    • Freestyle and back crawl arms, adapted to the swimmer

    • Breathing to the side, or lifting the head

    • Swimming across the width of the pool with rests

    • Swimming beside a partner

    Moving up

    This is the top level. Swimmers stay as long as they like, and the instructor adds a new stroke or a longer swim when it is time.

Sample levels.

Every swimmer moves at their own pace.

A half-hour class

  1. 01

    Step 1: Hello and the plan

    We meet at the wall and go through the class on a picture schedule, so your swimmer knows what comes first and what comes next.

  2. 02

    Step 2: In the water

    Your swimmer practices the skills in their level, with a break whenever they want one. The instructor stays beside your swimmer the whole time.

  3. 03

    Step 3: Play and dry off

    Classes end with a game or a favorite activity, then a towel and a quiet minute on the deck.

Not sure where to start?

A placement visit shows us where your swimmer lands.